Thank you for your interest in this work!

This eight-week conversation is intended to support White people in learning about anti-racism. Identity caucus space (as it's called) allows people to meet with others of their same racial identity to process and learn together before coming back to mixed race conversations. White people learning anti-racism together takes the burden off people of color to teach basic concepts and inclusive history and prevents harm that can be caused when people of color would otherwise have to listen to the learning curve. 

I initially shared this offering with a casual book group impulse, but as the urgency for racial justice is amplified, I feel it is critical that I bring more intention and structure to building a container to do this work in a deep and meaningful way. In justice work, we get out of it what we put in, and if you want to engage in this conversation with me and other participants, I'll do my best to make it valuable.

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* 1. Name

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* 2. Race & Ethnicity

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* 3. Preferred Pronouns

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* 4. Best email address

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* 5. Is is ok to share your name and email with other participants in group emails related to logistics?

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* 6. This eight-week conversational learning journey will be based on the Seeing White podcast from Scene on Radio. There are 14 episodes in the series, and they range from 30 min - 1 hour each. To cover this content in 8 weeks, it will therefore be necessary to put in time between conversations. While listening, it is also asked that you 1) make note of what information is new/surprising to you; and 2) make note of what happens within you as a result of encountering this surprise.

There is no charge for participation, but it is expected that folks will: download the podcast, listen to and reflect on the podcast(s) assigned each week, arrive prepared, be fully present during the conversations, and authentically participate in all eight sessions (Thursdays, 6/11 through 7/30, from 7-8:30pm ET / 4-5:40pm PT).

Is this something that will work for you?

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* 7. Please tell me a little about your current level of comfort and familiarity discussing race and anti-racism. Have you done this kind of work in groups before? If so, please tell me about that forum.

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* 8. Committing to anti-racism work is often the start of a lifelong journey to see the world in new ways. That can be exciting, but it can also stir the pot. The invitation is to come to these groups ready to authentically participate. At times that may include getting messy, feeling vulnerable, encountering shame or loss, or reacting to things that others have said.

The convener, Amelia Psmythe Seger, is an experienced facilitator, but is not a counselor. Please affirm here that you understand and take responsibility for resourcing yourself outside the group if conversations or dynamics within the group stir strong thoughts or feelings within you, and describe what you do to create resiliency for yourself.

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* 9. Please read over the proposed agreements that come from other collaborative groups I've facilitated. Use the space below to let me know if you have any concerns or additions.

  • Come prepared and be fully present.
  • Step Up, Step Back. If you usually hold back, speak up. If you usually speak often, take a pause.
  • Explain your thinking; bring each other along on the ride (be an active speaker).
  • Listen for understanding, not for the chance to respond (be an active listener).
  • Know that listening is difficult and possible. Stay engaged, and open to new listening, and listen well with empathy and deep understanding. Don't be afraid to be transformed by what is difficult.
  • Get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Experience discomfort as part of the learning process.
  • Say "ouch" if someone infringes on your space or you feel hurt; say "oops" if you infringe or hurt. Assume good intent, but recognize impact.
  • Clean it up or let it go. Unpack directly with the person or don't hang on to it.
  • Maintain confidentiality: if later we share about our experience, we will honor others by not identifying them.
  • Non-attribution space: things you say will not be held against you.
  • We are in each other's care.

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* 10. Is there anything else that you want the convener to know? This may include hopes, fears, triggers, known resistance to the work, or anything else that will help me support you leaning in.

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